I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 361

Chapter 361: I want to tie you to my side, a level that was not accessible before

“Is this a puppet left behind by the Ancient Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation within the Immortal Ancient Continent for his heir?” Yue Mingkong asked, her interest piqued as she observed the departure of the black-robed old man.

She could clearly discern that in her previous life, Ye Ling had gained considerable renown through these puppets. Now, however, these same puppets were in the possession of Gu Changge, having undergone further refinement.

If the Ancient Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation were aware of this, he would likely be infuriated enough to want to slap Gu Changge to death. Yet, Yue Mingkong relished the sense of control and meticulous planning that characterized their actions.

“You have a keen eye,” Gu Changge remarked, smiling.

“What’s our next move, then?” Yue Mingkong inquired, her tone tinged with curiosity. Having just arrived at the Heavenly Emperor Mountain Range, she was surprised to find that Gu Changge had already orchestrated everything. Though aware of his strategic prowess, witnessing it firsthand was still remarkable.

“Patience is our best ally,” Gu Changge replied, his gaze drifting toward the distant expanse of mountains and steep hills visible through the window, shrouded in mist and hinting at perilous ravines. “Someone will eventually lead us to the Heavenly Palm Tower. When the time comes, we’ll simply retrieve it.”

“If you’ve already mapped out everything, why did you summon me to join you here?” Yue Mingkong’s retort carried a hint of exasperation, though her tone was tempered compared to before. There was a newfound charm in her voice, less icy and more alluring.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Gu Changge had orchestrated her presence merely to witness his effortless acquisition of the Heavenly Palm Tower. While she toiled over calculations, he seemed poised to snatch the prize with ease, rendering her efforts somewhat futile.

“Adventures are always dull when undertaken alone. With you at my side, the monotony is lifted,” Gu Changge responded, his tone feigned innocence, a smile dancing on his lips. “In fact, I’m quite eager to tether you to my side permanently. I’d rather you not stray too far.”

Though Yue Mingkong recognized his teasing for what it was, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness, a subtle curve gracing her lips.

“Fear not, no matter what lies ahead, I’ll stand steadfast by your side,” she murmured, turning her head to face him, her hair cascading in soft waves, her immortal visage radiant. With a gentle embrace, she expressed her devotion, her words a tender pledge.

Once the true identity of the inheritor of demonic arts became public knowledge, Gu Changge would inevitably find himself besieged by the entire world. Even the backing of his family might prove insufficient to shield him from the ensuing onslaught. Though Yue Mingkong dreaded the prospect of such a day arriving, she resolved that if it did, she would stand unwaveringly by Gu Changge’s side, ready to face the world as his ally and adversary.

The pursuits of her past life held little significance now; what mattered was her unwavering commitment to Gu Changge. She understood that he held her in his heart, and that knowledge sufficed.

“That day will never come,” Gu Changge assured her, sensing her concerns, enfolding her in a comforting embrace. His voice was gentle, soothing.

“Mm,” Yue Mingkong murmured in agreement, her gaze fixed upon his face, her heart brimming with joy, cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.

In that moment, she felt a profound sense of affection, stirred by love’s tender embrace.

Meanwhile, within the mountain range near the Divine Ruins Sect, a man of imposing stature stood with an air of quiet confidence. His hair, golden as the sun, framed his face, and his deep eyes betrayed little emotion. Clad in a resplendent golden robe, he exuded an aura of calm introspection. This was Ji Yaoxing, scion of the secretive Ji family.

Not far from him, a gathering of young men and women radiated divine energy, accompanied by an array of powerful beasts. Their discussion carried on, seemingly unnoticed by Ji Yaoxing, who remained unperturbed by their presence.

Leading the group was a young woman in her early twenties, draped in a flowing crimson gown, perched atop a creature reminiscent of a qilin. Her complexion resembled porcelain, her eyes akin to tranquil pools, and her scarlet lips hinted at both beauty and haughtiness, rendering her an enigmatic figure.

Following closely behind her was an elderly woman, her cultivation depths unfathomable.

“Brother Yaoxing, has your Ji family found any treasures this time?” the young woman inquired, her smile radiant as she addressed Ji Yaoxing.

Turning his gaze towards her, Ji Yaoxing shook his head slightly. “Not yet,” he replied calmly, his voice devoid of agitation, imbuing him with an aura of serene stability.

Undeterred, the young woman maintained her smile, seemingly unsurprised by his response.

“Chen Ning’er, how did your Chen family come by the information regarding the forthcoming appearance of the Heavenly Palm Tower?” Ji Yaoxing inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Taken aback by the question, Chen Ning’er hesitated momentarily before responding, “I’m not sure. My family simply instructed me to search for the Heavenly Palm Tower.”

Ji Yaoxing accepted her answer with a nod, refraining from pressing further.

“It appears neither of us has made any progress. How about this, Brother Yaoxing? We could join forces in our search for the Heavenly Palm Tower, each of us pursuing our own methods to claim it. What do you say?” Chen Ning’er proposed, her smile radiant as she addressed Ji Yaoxing.

The group of prodigies behind her, subtly led by her, displayed no surprise at her suggestion, instead appearing entirely at ease with the proposition.

After a moment of contemplation, Ji Yaoxing shook his head. “I believe it’s best for each of us to act independently in matters such as these,” he replied, his gaze penetrating. Chen Ning’er’s cunning nature did not elude him; he was not about to fall into her schemes unknowingly.

Chen Ning’er’s disappointment was palpable, though she refrained from further comment, accepting Ji Yaoxing’s decision.

“Brother!” A melodious voice echoed through the sky as Ji Chu Yue arrived, accompanied by Jiang Chen, borne upon clouds.

“Ji Chu Yue is here too? And who is that man?” Chen Ning’er’s surprise was evident as she observed the newcomer. Her gaze then shifted to Jiang Chen, scrutinizing him carefully. Detecting no signs of cultivation within him, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of contempt and disdain.

“Chu Yue, who is this individual?” Ji Yaoxing’s brows furrowed as his gaze settled on Jiang Chen. To his astonishment, Jiang Chen appeared to be an ordinary mortal, devoid of any cultivation. Perplexed as to why Ji Chu Yue had brought him here, Ji Yaoxing awaited an explanation.

Unaware of Jiang Chen’s identity, Ji Yaoxing remained puzzled by his presence. Meanwhile, Jiang Chen, upon landing, assessed the group before him. Despite feeling the weight of their formidable cultivations, he maintained his composure.

“Brother, this is the matter I mentioned to you earlier,” Ji Chu Yue remarked, casting a disdainful glance in Chen Ning’er’s direction, indicating their acquaintance, albeit a distant one, devoid of warmth.

Chen Ning’er, undeterred, quipped, “Is it beneath the esteemed young princess of the Ji family to adopt such a disguise?”

“Why do you concern yourself with my appearance?” Ji Chu Yue retorted, a hint of annoyance flickering across her features. She had intentionally concealed her identity to avoid drawing undue attention, whereas Chen Ning’er appeared unabashed and regal, akin to a swan gracefully gliding upon a lake.

“Brother, his name is Jiang Chen,” Ji Chu Yue interjected, introducing Jiang Chen to the group.

Jiang Chen respectfully greeted them, “Greetings, young master of the Ji family.”

“Very well. Since Chu Yue vouches for you, I will take your word for it,” Ji Yaoxing acknowledged, opting not to delve further into Jiang Chen’s background. With members of the Hidden Chen Family present, discretion was paramount.

Ji Chu Yue exchanged a meaningful glance with Jiang Chen, indicating a mutual understanding. Jiang Chen reciprocated with a nod, discerning that Chen Ning’er and Ji Chu Yue’s group were not affiliated.

Detecting the air of secrecy surrounding Ji Chu Yue and Ji Yaoxing, Chen Ning’er narrowed her eyes in suspicion. What merit did a mere mortal like Jiang Chen possess to garner the favor of the Ji family’s young princess?

“Brother, another group of young cultivators has arrived at the Divine Ruins Sect. Their cultivation auras are formidable; we shouldn’t underestimate them. I suspect they hail from yet another sect,” Ji Chu Yue relayed, referring to the group she had encountered upon departing from the Divine Ruins Sect.

“A group of young cultivators?” Ji Yaoxing’s brow furrowed in contemplation. “So, disciples from other major sects are still arriving here?”

Chen Ning’er’s interest was piqued upon hearing this news. Eager to form alliances, she awaited the opportunity to collaborate with others.

“Can you discern the origins of this group of cultivators?” Ji Yaoxing inquired, his expression serious.

“No, they departed in haste,” Ji Chu Yue replied, shaking her head. “But their strength seems on par with ours.”

“In that case, I’m keen to meet these prodigies. Although the Heavenly Palm Tower remains elusive, additional allies would bolster our strength,” Chen Ning’er remarked with a smile.

“Brother Yaoxing, what do you think? Perhaps we can glean some information from them,” she suggested.

Ji Yaoxing pondered her proposal. Nearly a month had passed since their arrival in the Heavenly Emperor Mountains, yet they had little to show for their efforts. Engaging with this new group seemed like a plausible avenue for obtaining information. Besides, he harbored doubts about Jiang Chen’s capabilities as a mortal.

As Ji Chu Yue was temporarily residing in the Divine Ruins Sect, Ji Yaoxing acknowledged that she would inevitably encounter the other group of cultivators in due time. With this in mind, he nodded in agreement with Chen Ning’er’s suggestion.

Observing this exchange, Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly. He harbored the impulse to disclose Gu Changge’s true identity to Ji Chu Yue. However, he hesitated, wary of how she might react upon learning of his past grievances with Gu Changge. While he held a favorable opinion of Ji Chu Yue, he had yet to develop the level of trust necessary to confide in her completely.

After careful consideration, Jiang Chen concluded that the safest course of action was to remain within the confines of the Divine Ruins Sect, refraining from venturing outside his quarters among the craftsman disciples. Given Gu Changge’s aversion to such places, Jiang Chen reasoned that he could avoid encountering him altogether.

The spirit within Jiang Chen’s mind offered guidance, advising him to disclose certain details to Ji Chu Yue, specifically mentioning his enmity with Gu Changge. The spirit assured him that as a scion of the Hidden Ji family, he possessed the courage to confront such matters. Furthermore, as a descendant of the immortals, his identity held weight. With her intelligence, Ji Chu Yue would understand how to proceed.

Encouraged by the spirit’s counsel, Jiang Chen felt reassured. Moreover, the presence of the black-robed senior offered an additional layer of protection, ready to intervene should the need arise.

Subsequently, Ji Yaoxing assembled his retinue, preparing to depart for the Divine Ruins Sect alongside his sister. They planned to split up upon arrival, each exploring different sects to facilitate their investigation.

During their journey, Ji Chu Yue discreetly conveyed some information about Jiang Chen via voice transmission to Ji Yaoxing, including details about his enigmatic physique and his status as a descendant of the Divine Origin Master. Ji Yaoxing, typically composed and reserved, found himself taken aback by this revelation, a rare display of surprise crossing his features.

“Divine Origin Master?” He murmured the words, his sister’s insight instilling a sense of conviction in him.

Casting a sidelong glance at Jiang Chen, who trailed behind them, Ji Yaoxing spoke in a hushed tone, “If what you say is true, and his physique rivals mine, then perhaps we can facilitate his entry into the Ji family.”

The lineage of the Divine Origin Master had long been severed, and the prospect of Jiang Chen possessing its inheritance held immense significance. Ji Yaoxing harbored no intentions of exploiting Jiang Chen for personal gain; rather, he viewed introducing him to the Ji family as an opportunity to honor his heritage.

Though the exchange between the siblings remained covert, Jiang Chen discerned the nature of their conversation. Meanwhile, Chen Ning’er’s gaze remained fixed on Jiang Chen, her mind racing with speculation. Even if she were obtuse, she couldn’t ignore the significance of the Ji siblings’ interest in him. With a flicker of understanding, she formulated a plan in her mind.

Upon their return to the Divine Ruins Sect, Jiang Chen offered a pretext to excuse himself and headed towards the craftsman peak where he resided. Ji Chu Yue regarded him with a curious glance but refrained from pressing further.

As they approached the mountain gate, an old man greeted them respectfully, his surprise evident as he glanced at Ji Yaoxing, Chen Ning’er, and the others. He couldn’t fathom the sudden influx of young geniuses to the typically secluded Divine Ruins Sect. Perhaps they sought something of great value, but he dared not inquire further.

“Where are the young geniuses who arrived at the Divine Ruins Sect today?” Ji Chu Yue inquired. As an affiliate of the Hidden Ji family, Divine Ruins Sect held a subordinate position to the Divine Dao Ruins Sect. In the hierarchy of Divine Dao Ruins Sect, Ji Chu Yue’s status surpassed even that of the sect master.

The old man hastened to respond, “Miss Chu Yue, they are currently at the eastern palace.”

Confident in her status, Ji Chu Yue exuded an air of authority, assured that regardless of the newcomers’ backgrounds, they would defer to her in Divine Ruins Sect.

As Ji Chu Yue, Ji Yaoxing, and their entourage proceeded to the eastern palace under the guidance of the gatekeeper, news of their arrival spread quickly, reaching the ears of the Divine Ruins Sect’s leadership. The head of the sect and others, startled by the unexpected visit, hurried to greet them, their surprise evident.

Aware of Ji Chu Yue’s esteemed status as the princess of the Hidden Ji Family, the head of the Divine Ruins Sect apprehensively speculated on the purpose of their visit. Concerned that their presence might provoke conflict among the gathered young geniuses, he braced himself for any potential disturbances.

Ji Yaoxing, sensing the head’s apprehension, hastened to allay his fears. “We are merely curious about the background of these young geniuses and wish to pay them a visit,” he explained, seeking to dispel any notions of hostility.

Meanwhile, Chen Ning’er’s attention was drawn to a group of peculiar beasts in the distance, drinking from a nearby water source. The sight of these majestic creatures, bearing rare bloodlines and powerful auras, filled her with trepidation. The presence of such prized mounts hinted at the elevated status of their owners, sending a shiver down her spine.

“It appears the identity of these young geniuses is more complex than anticipated,” Ji Yaoxing remarked, his expression shifting to one of caution. The presence of such formidable beings suggested that their counterparts possessed status and power equal to, if not surpassing, their own.

Despite the Hidden Ji family’s diminished status, their legacy of grandeur still commanded respect and recognition. As Ji Chu Yue, Ji Yaoxing, and their companions approached the palace, they were intercepted by a formidable group of creatures representing various clans. Despite their youth, these beings exuded an aura of divine power that left onlookers feeling unsettled.

“Who are you?” The query, delivered with an air of authority, halted their advance.

Ji Yaoxing, maintaining his composure, responded with a respectful bow. “I am Ji Yaoxing of the Hidden Ji family, offering my greetings to all esteemed Daoists present.”

Observing the formidable assembly before him, Ji Yaoxing discerned that many among them possessed auras comparable to his own. However, their subordinate status puzzled him. Why would such powerful beings act as mere followers?

Ji Chu Yue’s expression mirrored her brother’s seriousness, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Only Chen Ning’er gazed into the hall with a determined glint in her eye, eager to discern the identity of their hosts.

The vastness of the Upper Realm rendered the enumeration of Dao Lineages and influences an impossible task. While the Hidden Chen family wielded considerable influence, they paled in comparison to the immortal Dao lineage behemoths. To these truly immortal forces, the Hidden Chen family remained unknown, their significance diminished in the eyes of those who held true power.

Although the leaders of the Divine Ruins Sect lacked the discerning eye of Ji Yaoxing and his companions, they recognized the profound significance of the young man and woman residing within the palace. To them, the Hidden Ji family represented an incomprehensible behemoth, towering at the pinnacle of the Upper Realm.

“Hidden Ji family?” Several young beings stationed at the palace gate reacted to the mention of the name, furrowing their brows as they attempted to recall the family’s origins.

“Chen Ning’er of the Hidden Chen family extends greetings to all esteemed brothers,” Chen Ning’er declared, stepping forward with a respectful nod. The haughtiness that had previously marked her demeanor had dissipated.

Perplexed by the unfamiliar name, a towering young being with a third eye between his brows and golden scales voiced his doubts. “I am unfamiliar with the Hidden Chen family. Which family do they hail from?”

“Indeed, I have never encountered such a family,” chimed in another young being, exuding an intimidating aura that left Chen Ning’er and her companions feeling stifled.

Ji Yaoxing and his companions exchanged glances, their expressions shifting slightly before they offered resigned smiles. The Hidden Chen family had deliberately maintained a low profile, eschewing any semblance of renown in the outside world.

Despite the apparent lack of recognition from others, the Hidden family’s strength remained formidable. The Hidden Ji family, in particular, boasted a legacy older than even the esteemed Purple Mansion.

Chen Ning’er couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment. It was a rare experience for someone to belittle the family she represented. However, she knew better than to protest further. Compared to the Hidden Ji family, the Hidden Chen family paled in comparison both in heritage and prestige.

As Ji Chu Yue and the others conversed, Chen Ning’er couldn’t shake the feeling that the individuals within the palace possessed identities far beyond her comprehension, belonging to a realm she had never dared to imagine.